State-owned air ambulance takes off

The Namibia Civil Aviation Authority is expected to hand over an air ambulance operating licence to Government Air Transport Services (GATS), under the Office of the President, as Namibia officially launches its state-owned air ambulance service.

Health ministry spokesperson Walters Kamaya said the launch would take place at Eros Airport in Windhoek. The service aims to strengthen emergency medical response and facilitate the transfer of critically ill patients between health facilities.

The service comes amid concerns over patients dying while being transferred between health facilities. Health minister Dr Esperance Luvindao previously confirmed that the ministry had recorded such cases.

Luvindao said the ministry was reviewing 24 months of patient transfer records to better understand the challenges and identify ways to improve emergency medical services.

Katima Mulilo alone refers approximately 30 patients a month, highlighting the demand for better medical referral and transportation services, particularly for those requiring specialised care elsewhere in the country.

The introduction of an air ambulance is expected to strengthen the country’s capacity to move critically ill patients who need urgent medical attention at higher-level health facilities.